Quang Binh Culture and Tourism Week 2011 Features Caves

Culture and Tourism Week 2011 kicks off June 5 in the central province of Quang Binh. This week is held to promote the provinces tourist attractions, which includes its many amazing caves.

The week before, is the Cau Ngu (Fish Worshipping) Festival which hopes for a good fishing season and safe voyages. The main events will be held in Dong Hoi and Phong Nha-Ke Bang, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site that includes the Phong Nha and Thien Duong caves.

On Jule 11th, a program will air on VTV2 featuring Thien Duong (Paradise) Cave, with performances in the cave, and documentaries about the cave and caving. Paradise Cave was discovered in 2005 by the British Cave Research Association. The 300-400 million year old system located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is 31 kilometers (19 miles) long and believed to be Vietnam’s most extensive cave.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, is known for its 300 caves and grottos, of which only 20 of which have been surveyed by Vietnamese and British scientists.

During the week there will be opportunities to tour Hang Toi (Dark Cave). Last year, nearly 730,000 visitors attended the week long event.